The World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on November 22 turned sour with local police and visiting fans clashing ahead of the kick-off. Owing to the clashes, the kick-off was delayed by around 30 minutes before Argentina went on to win the game 1-0.

In a video being circulated on social media, the Brazilian police can be seen hitting the fans with batons. One of the fans was injured so badly that he had to be taken out on a stretcher. The fans can be seen getting back into a corner as the police continue to push them while charging with batons. Have a look at the video here:

Disturbing visuals, user&nbsp;discretion advised

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Selvageria no Maracanã <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brasil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#brasil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/Azz8RKE47p">pic.twitter.com/Azz8RKE47p</a>
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The clash started between the local and visiting fans when the national anthems were being played which prompted the police to go into the visiting fans' area with batons. The fans panicked and responded by throwing seats on the policemen while some ran towards the pitch.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/weve-work-to-do-says-germany-coach-julian-nagelsmann-after-defeat-vs-austria-in-friendly-661334">'We've work to do,' says Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann after defeat vs Austria in friendly</a>

Argentina footballers were also seen reaching to the stands and asking police to stop the violence. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez even tried to jump into the seating area to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer.

Their skipper Lionel Messi also asked for calm before leading the players to the dressing room. Messi was apparently seen saying 'We're not playing, we're leaving,' as the players left the pitch.

The game eventually started 30 minutes later with tight security around Argentina fans who cheered as their side won the game. Nicolás Otamendi scored in the second half for Argentina and it remained the only goal scored in the game.

The win at Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium leaves Argentina on top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games. Brazil's third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on November 22 turned sour with local police and visiting fans clashing ahead of the kick-off.

The World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil in Rio de Janeiro on November 22 turned sour with local police and visiting fans clashing ahead of the kick-off. Owing to the clashes, the kick-off was delayed by around 30 minutes before Argentina went on to win the game 1-0. In a video being circulated on social media, the Brazilian police can be seen hitting the fans with batons. One of the fans was injured so badly that he had to be taken out on a stretcher. The fans can be seen getting back into a corner as the police continue to push them while charging with batons. Have a look at the video here: Disturbing visuals, user discretion advised Selvageria no Maracanã #brasil #argentina pic.twitter.com/Azz8RKE47p — Igor Rodrigues (@_igorrodrigues) November 22, 2023 × The clash started between the local and visiting fans when the national anthems were being played which prompted the police to go into the visiting fans' area with batons. The fans panicked and responded by throwing seats on the policemen while some ran towards the pitch. Also Read: 'We've work to do,' says Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann after defeat vs Austria in friendly Argentina footballers were also seen reaching to the stands and asking police to stop the violence. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez even tried to jump into the seating area to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer. Their skipper Lionel Messi also asked for calm before leading the players to the dressing room. Messi was apparently seen saying 'We're not playing, we're leaving,' as the players left the pitch. The game eventually started 30 minutes later with tight security around Argentina fans who cheered as their side won the game. Nicolás Otamendi scored in the second half for Argentina and it remained the only goal scored in the game. The win at Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium leaves Argentina on top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games. Brazil's third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Brazil police beat Argentina fans with batons during World Cup qualifiers

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that forced kick-off to be delayed.

A 63rd-minute header from veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi secured victory for Argentina as the world champions bounced back from last week's defeat to Uruguay to beat their bitter South American rivals.

The win at Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium leaves Argentina on top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/fifa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-qatar-end-indias-15-match-winning-streak-with-3-0-win-in-bhubaneswar-661249">Qatar ends India's 15-match winning streak with 3-0 win in Bhubaneswar</a>

Brazil's third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games.&nbsp;

Tempers had flared in the stands at the Maracana moments before kick-off, with Brazilian police seen using batons to drive back a block of Argentine fans at one end of the ground.

Several Argentina players went towards the disturbances in an apparent attempt to plead for calm, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez attempting to jump into the seating area at one stage to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer.

Argentina's players led by Lionel Messi then returned to their dressing room as the clashes continued, with Messi appearing to say: "We're not playing, we're leaving."

The 2022 World Cup winners re-emerged onto the field shortly before 10pm local time and the match kicked off shortly afterwards, roughly 30 minutes later than the scheduled start time.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that forced kick-off to be delayed.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that forced kick-off to be delayed. A 63rd-minute header from veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi secured victory for Argentina as the world champions bounced back from last week's defeat to Uruguay to beat their bitter South American rivals. The win at Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium leaves Argentina on top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games. Also Read: Qatar ends India's 15-match winning streak with 3-0 win in Bhubaneswar Brazil's third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games. Tempers had flared in the stands at the Maracana moments before kick-off, with Brazilian police seen using batons to drive back a block of Argentine fans at one end of the ground. Several Argentina players went towards the disturbances in an apparent attempt to plead for calm, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez attempting to jump into the seating area at one stage to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer. Argentina's players led by Lionel Messi then returned to their dressing room as the clashes continued, with Messi appearing to say: "We're not playing, we're leaving." The 2022 World Cup winners re-emerged onto the field shortly before 10pm local time and the match kicked off shortly afterwards, roughly 30 minutes later than the scheduled start time.

Argentina beat Brazil in World Cup qualifiers after kick-off delayed due to clash between police and fans

Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer with two second-half goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in South America's 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday. The 31-year-old striker went into the game level with Pele on 77 goals and had a golden opportunity to break the record in the 17th minute when Brazil were awarded a penalty.

But he looked distraught after his soft spot-kick was easily saved by Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra to keep the scores goalless.

Seven minutes later, Brazil got in front when Rodrygo reacted quickly to slot home after a shot from Raphinha was parried out by Viscarra.

Brazil doubled their lead just after the break when Raphinha cut in from the left and his low shot took a slight deflection as it flew into the bottom corner.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-captain-virgil-van-dijk-to-serve-extended-suspension-for-improper-conduct-633836">Premier League: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to serve extended suspension for 'improper conduct'</a>

Neymar had a hand in Brazil's third, with a clever chipped pass which was flicked on by Bruno Guimaraes into the path of Rodrygo who confidently drilled home.

Then came Neymar's moment to enter the history books as he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and tucked away his 78th goal in his 125th game for his country - raising his hands and his gaze to the skies.

Victor Abrego pulled a goal back for Bolivia, bustling through a disorganised Brazil backline before blasting an unstoppable shot past Ederson.

But there was still time for Neymar to extend his record tally, connecting with a low ball from Raphinha in stoppage time to complete the victory and a memorable night for the forward.

The 31-year-old former Barcelona striker recently moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

Pele, who died in December aged 82, scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971.

The win was the perfect start for new coach Fernando Diniz, who took over from predecessor Tite in the wake of the Selecao's World Cup quarter-final exit last year.

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Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer with two second-half goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in South America's 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday.

Neymar surpassed Pele as Brazil's all-time top scorer with two second-half goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia in South America's 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Friday. The 31-year-old striker went into the game level with Pele on 77 goals and had a golden opportunity to break the record in the 17th minute when Brazil were awarded a penalty. But he looked distraught after his soft spot-kick was easily saved by Bolivia keeper Guillermo Viscarra to keep the scores goalless. Seven minutes later, Brazil got in front when Rodrygo reacted quickly to slot home after a shot from Raphinha was parried out by Viscarra. Brazil doubled their lead just after the break when Raphinha cut in from the left and his low shot took a slight deflection as it flew into the bottom corner. ALSO READ: Premier League: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to serve extended suspension for 'improper conduct' Neymar had a hand in Brazil's third, with a clever chipped pass which was flicked on by Bruno Guimaraes into the path of Rodrygo who confidently drilled home. Then came Neymar's moment to enter the history books as he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and tucked away his 78th goal in his 125th game for his country - raising his hands and his gaze to the skies. Victor Abrego pulled a goal back for Bolivia, bustling through a disorganised Brazil backline before blasting an unstoppable shot past Ederson. But there was still time for Neymar to extend his record tally, connecting with a low ball from Raphinha in stoppage time to complete the victory and a memorable night for the forward. The 31-year-old former Barcelona striker recently moved from Paris Saint-Germain to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal. Pele, who died in December aged 82, scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances between 1957 and 1971. The win was the perfect start for new coach Fernando Diniz, who took over from predecessor Tite in the wake of the Selecao's World Cup quarter-final exit last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Neymar surpasses Pele as Brazil's highest goal-scorer with brace in 5-1 win over Bolivia in WC qualifiers

A trademark, curling free-kick from Lionel Messi got world champions Argentina off to a winning start in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday with a 1-0 victory at home to Ecuador.

Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 while 10-man Peru held on for a 0-0 draw at Paraguay as the long journey of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup got under way.

Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar in December, has yet to confirm whether he will continue with his national side all the way to 2026, but he showed his importance yet again with the breakthrough in what had threatened to be a frustrating night for Lionel Scaloni's team.

Lautaro Martinez won a free-kick in a central area in the 78th minute, just outside the Ecuador penalty area and Messi executed to perfection with his effort floating over the wall and dipping perfectly to beat the stationary Hernan Galindez.

With the goal, Messi drew level with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez of Uruguay as the all-time leading scorers in the South American qualifiers, both with 29 goals.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

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LIONEL MESSI FREE KICK GOAL! 🇦🇷<a href="https://t.co/yAsas0pRTQ">pic.twitter.com/yAsas0pRTQ</a>
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyNemer/status/1699962281260433572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Albiceleste had dominated possession against an Ecuador side which defended in numbers and limited their attacks to the occasional break on the counter.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-changed-football-but-rivalry-is-gone-cristiano-ronaldo-opens-up-on-competition-with-lionel-messi-633337">We changed football but rivalry is gone: Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on competition with Lionel Messi</a>

The first opening of the game fell to Messi in the 16th minute when he was found on the edge of the box but put his side-foot effort wide of the post. Just before the break, Lautaro Martinez went closer when he slid in to meet a Rodrigo De Paul and his shot struck the post.

Messi worked himself an opening in the 69th minute but his low shot was weakly struck and was comfortably dealt with by Galindez.

But the 80,000 crowd in the Estadio Monumental were brought to their feet by Messi's goal and from then on it was smooth sailing for Argentina.

De Paul, who was excellent throughout, dribbled across from the right setting up substitute Angel Di Maria but his effort was just wide.

Then De Paul brought a fine save out of Galindez near the end with a close-range blast at the near post.

"Ecuador showed they have very good players, that they are physically strong and that they are clear about what they do," Messi said. "We know that in every game we have to give one hundred percent to pull it off. But we showed...that this group will not relax beyond what they achieved, which is something historic and extraordinary," he added.

"We have to be aware that we enjoyed everything a lot, but what we did is over. We have to look ahead," said the seven-times Ballon D'Or winner.

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A trademark, curling free-kick from Lionel Messi got world champions Argentina off to a winning start in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday with a 1-0 victory at home to Ecuador.

A trademark, curling free-kick from Lionel Messi got world champions Argentina off to a winning start in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday with a 1-0 victory at home to Ecuador. Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 while 10-man Peru held on for a 0-0 draw at Paraguay as the long journey of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup got under way. Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar in December, has yet to confirm whether he will continue with his national side all the way to 2026, but he showed his importance yet again with the breakthrough in what had threatened to be a frustrating night for Lionel Scaloni's team. Lautaro Martinez won a free-kick in a central area in the 78th minute, just outside the Ecuador penalty area and Messi executed to perfection with his effort floating over the wall and dipping perfectly to beat the stationary Hernan Galindez. With the goal, Messi drew level with former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez of Uruguay as the all-time leading scorers in the South American qualifiers, both with 29 goals. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: LIONEL MESSI FREE KICK GOAL! 🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/yAsas0pRTQ — Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 8, 2023 × The Albiceleste had dominated possession against an Ecuador side which defended in numbers and limited their attacks to the occasional break on the counter. ALSO READ: We changed football but rivalry is gone: Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on competition with Lionel Messi The first opening of the game fell to Messi in the 16th minute when he was found on the edge of the box but put his side-foot effort wide of the post. Just before the break, Lautaro Martinez went closer when he slid in to meet a Rodrigo De Paul and his shot struck the post. Messi worked himself an opening in the 69th minute but his low shot was weakly struck and was comfortably dealt with by Galindez. But the 80,000 crowd in the Estadio Monumental were brought to their feet by Messi's goal and from then on it was smooth sailing for Argentina. De Paul, who was excellent throughout, dribbled across from the right setting up substitute Angel Di Maria but his effort was just wide. Then De Paul brought a fine save out of Galindez near the end with a close-range blast at the near post. "Ecuador showed they have very good players, that they are physically strong and that they are clear about what they do," Messi said. "We know that in every game we have to give one hundred percent to pull it off. But we showed...that this group will not relax beyond what they achieved, which is something historic and extraordinary," he added. "We have to be aware that we enjoyed everything a lot, but what we did is over. We have to look ahead," said the seven-times Ballon D'Or winner. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lionel Messi hits trademark-style freekick to get Argentina going in World Cup 2026 qualifiers - WATCH